While the Qur'an gives the basic framework for fasting in Ramadan in Surat (Chapter) Al-Baqara, Ayahs (Verses) 183-187, there are still many things that one can do to heighten their spiritual awareness and bring one closer to God (Allah). These acts are found in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, via the Ahadith (sayings or narrations).
Suggested Acts
There are many acts that receive a higher reward during Ramadan than at any other time. Among them are:
- Increasing one’s charity (“sadaqa”) to others, Muslims and Non-Muslims alike, as long as they are in need
- Providing food for someone to break fast with
- Feeding the poor, in general
- Curbing one’s anger
- Glorifying God (Allah) by frequent remembrance (Dhikr)
- Making Dua. (Supplicating to God, asking of Him, calling upon Him for the needs of one’s self or others)
- Performing extra Salat (formal prayers), such as Taraweeh (before midnight) and Qiyam el-Layl (prayed usually after midnight, just before Fajr prayers)
- Doing good deeds - especially during the last 10 days of Ramadan
- 'Itikaaf during the last 10 days of Ramadan (for men). 'Itikaaf is when one closes himself in the masjid during the last 10 days for the sake of worship - cutting himself off from all wordly affairs.
Permitted Acts and/or Sunan
There are also acts that fall under the category of “permitted” as they are actions that one might question without knowing that Prophet Muhammad had done them himself while fasting according to those who observed him doing so and/or questioning him about them. They are:
- Using the miswak (a toothbrush made from the fragrant sticks of the Peelu tree)
- Taking a bath or shower
- Using Kohl (eyeliner made from a particular rock that has been crushed, believed to have curative properties)
- Kissing or caressing between husband and wife that does not lead to intercourse
- Rinsing one’s mouth out, without swallowing the water
- Tasting the food while one is cooking – this means just tasting with the tongue for flavor, not taking a bite to chew and swallow. This is basically done to taste for salt, etc. so that the food does not get ruined.
- Blood-letting (including cupping or blood tests), although it is preferred to avoid it if possible due to conflicting narrations in Sahih Al-Bukhari even though it is mostly agreed among jurists that the ruling that it is permissible is more likely based on Ibn 'Abbas' claim that he observed the Prophet, pbuh, being cupped while fasting.
- Vomiting (as something comes out and not into the stomach)
This is not a comprehensive list. More can be found in Sahih Al-Bukhari's Kitab El-Saum (Book of Fasting), Volume 3 of the English translation. The important thing is to remember that fasting is not intended to be an "imposition". It is a beautful, cleansing experience for those who take it on for the right reasons.
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